1
as in moody
frequently influenced by moods and especially bad moods
one of those temperamental actresses who can make life difficult for everyone around her
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in volatile
likely to change frequently, suddenly, or unexpectedly
stock prices have been pretty temperamental lately, often fluctuating wildly
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of temperamental
Except for a lithic crevice that jags through the composition, and a complementary bit of green-and-yellow Mardi Gras coloring, this is a portrait of a temperamental hue.
—
Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
While leather can be a little more temperamental in the face of inclement weather, using a wax protector and leather moisturizer helps keep your bag in the best shape.
—Abby Morgan Lebet, Glamour, 16 Dec. 2025
Such mildness is a rarity in Kansas, because the state is notoriously temperamental and swings wildly between heat and cold.
—Literary Hub, 15 Dec. 2025
For all her acclaim, the temperamental Callas parted ways publicly with La Scala, maintained a fierce rivalry with fellow star soprano Renata Tebaldi, and, best known to many, had a rocky relationship with Aristotle Onassis when both were married to others.
—David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for temperamental
Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
While leather can be a little more temperamental in the face of inclement weather, using a wax protector and leather moisturizer helps keep your bag in the best shape.
—Abby Morgan Lebet, Glamour, 16 Dec. 2025
Such mildness is a rarity in Kansas, because the state is notoriously temperamental and swings wildly between heat and cold.
—Literary Hub, 15 Dec. 2025
For all her acclaim, the temperamental Callas parted ways publicly with La Scala, maintained a fierce rivalry with fellow star soprano Renata Tebaldi, and, best known to many, had a rocky relationship with Aristotle Onassis when both were married to others.
—David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for temperamental
Recent Examples of Synonyms for temperamental
Adjective
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Complete the look with a wool coat and a playful bag for a pop of color amid the moody landscape.—
Julia Guerra,
InStyle,
15 Jan. 2026
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Thank you, Lily Collins, for reminding us that in 2016, walking past a mural without taking a moody photo was practically a sin.—
Stephanie Sengwe,
PEOPLE,
15 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Key's Jerry is a disruption through and through, knocking everything just a little off-kilter with each volatile appearance.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
9 Jan. 2026
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Paul Weller is still a godlike figure, but the Jam themselves had a really distinct chemistry and sounded very volatile onstage and are among the great punk groups.—
Devon Ivie,
Vulture,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Your impulsive actions might disrupt something.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
13 Jan. 2026
-
While genuinely intrigued by Lucy, his inconsistency and impulsive reactions complicate their relationship, which was already competing with the lingering shadow of Stephen.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Austin immigration advocates have argued that similar changes in Austin, and a lack of clarification from the police department on its policy, sends a message that contact with officers — even as a victim or witness — carries unpredictable risks for immigrant families.—
Emiliano Tahui Gómez,
Austin American Statesman,
10 Jan. 2026
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The occurrence of abdominal pain is often unpredictable and can change over time.—
Pamela Assid Woughter,
Verywell Health,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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This technique, sometimes called ski cutting, involves traversing across a slope to try and get unstable snow to slide down.—
Madison Dapcevich,
Outside,
13 Jan. 2026
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Antioxidants are compounds found in certain foods that help protect your cells from damage and disease caused by the build-up of unstable molecules called free radicals.—
Lauren Panoff,
Verywell Health,
13 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Temperamental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/temperamental. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.
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